Prince Charles has told of his worries that Prince William and Kate Middleton’s show-stopping tour of North America turned into one long photo-opportunity.
Charles fears the couple’s glamorous image will now overshadow the worthy work of other senior royals.
He told Palace aides that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s trip focused too much on media coverage and not on the serious reasons behind the tour.
The 11-day jaunt, when hundreds of thousands turned out to greet the royals in Canada and the US, became billed as the William and Kate Show.
The newlyweds were splashed across every TV network and newspaper as they met the public and a string of celebs such as David Beckham, Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks and Jennifer Lopez.
Sources close to Charles, 62, say that on the one hand he is delighted the couple received the same welcome he and Princess Diana got on their 1983 Canada tour.
But he also drew a comparison with his gruelling 11-day visit to Canada with Camilla two years ago which attracted small crowds and modest coverage.
A royal insider says Charles – who prides himself on being a campaigner on the environment and architecture – is now seeking a makeover to attract more fans.
Royal author Phil Dampier said: “Charles felt overshadowed by Diana and now it seems he feels overshadowed by their son. Some people may think he is jealous. I have always felt that as soon as William got married, Charles would feel sidelined.
“From that moment people would be less interested in what he has to say on issues such as the environment and architecture if, on the same day, Kate is wearing a new dress.”
Kate dominated the headlines with up to five outfit changes a day, including casual jeans and a stetson at a rodeo in Calgary.
Mr Dampier added: “When Charles and Camilla visited Canada two years ago they were greeted by relatively small crowds. They are in their 60s and are not what you would call glamorous.
“Charles is well respected in Canada but he does not have the X factor. With the Queen’s headline-grabbing Irish tour too, Charles feels his work could get overlooked.”
Government insiders say Charles’ fears have been echoed in Downing Street, which believes the interest in the couple could overshadow other royal events such as next year’s Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
But since returning last week to their home in Anglesey, where the prince is an RAF search and rescue pilot, William and Kate say they intend to maintain a low profile.
